Andina

Peru: Foreign tourist arrivals to increase in 2018

Machu Picchu.Foto: ANDINA/Archivo

13:17 | Lima, Apr. 2.

Foreign tourist arrivals in Peru will expand between 7% and 8% in 2018 compared to last year, due to the Inca country's archaeological, gastronomic, natural, and cultural attractions, National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) Chairman Carlos Canales projected.

According to Canales, the South American nation struggled to grow in terms of corporate tourism at the beginning of the current year given the political situation at that time. 

Nevertheless, the expectations for the tourism sector —in general— have increased after overcoming the previous political crisis through the swearing in of new President Martin Vizcarra.

"This year's growth will definitively maintain a usual expansion (rate) between 7% and 8%, just like the tourism sector has been experiencing over recent years," he told Andina news agency.

"We do not anticipate significant changes. The sector will recover some points that it had lost earlier this year," Canales added.

Based on Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry's (Mincetur) official figures, 3,455,709 tourists visited Peru in 2015, followed by 3,744,461 (2016), and 4,032,339 (2017). 

"Through political stability, greater confidence in the rebound of corporate tourism is generated (…)," the official explained.

Besides, Canales pointed out a "very important domestic tourism offer" emerges in the Andean country by relying on more restaurants, bars, and recreational centers.

Within this context, he stressed tourism is the only decentralizing activity that generates greater economic dynamism, as it creates new jobs, promotes social inclusion, and —with little investment— boosts the economies of cities, towns, and villages. 

(END) MDV/MDV/JAA/MVB

Published: 4/2/2018